AUSTIN LORD/GATHER PORTRAIT STUDIO
Chef Star Maye
Whether they’re working behind a desk, in the field, or on the road, trailblazing women are paving their own way in Music City. Now they’re taking a break from their busy schedules to share their success stories with us.
THE DAILY HUSTLE
I am a creator, mother, sister, daughter, friend, chef, and now, self-published author. I wear many hats as the executive chef and co-owner of Anzie Blue. We are building a community in Hillsboro Village, and I hope that it’s infectious throughout the city.
EARLY ASPIRATIONS
I didn’t realize it was my passion until later in life. I was 30 years old when I finally realized that cooking was my true passion. I felt free to be myself around food and decided to pursue cooking as a career. Before becoming Anzie Blue’s executive chef, I held positions in the kitchens of iconic restaurants such as City Winery, Governor’s Club and The Palm. Work doesn’t feel like a chore to me. I take cooking for people very seriously, as it’s the way that I show love.
CHALLENGES FACED
At the start, as a woman in a male dominant field, I had to prove my worth. Not only am I a woman, but I am a Black, queer woman. As they say, “Three strikes, you’re out!” That felt like my reality as I navigated my way through the culinary world. But I kept pressing on because I love what I do. The challenges are very different these days. We have staffing shortages, supply chain issues, and food insecurities that I’ve personally never witnessed. We are adjusting through each roadblock.
WORK PERKS
I love everything about my job. I love the team that I get to work with every day. I love creating dishes for family and friends. I love Hillsboro Village. Truly, I’m honored to be here. I’m trying to create a change in my community, one dish at a time.
THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
I define success as knowing your goals ahead of time and utilizing your resources to achieve them. Building a successful business is not an easy feat, but it was my highest goal and I know that I have made my younger self proud. That’s my goal each day.
THE NASHVILLE CONNECTION
Nashville has been my saving grace in many ways. I have been accepted as I am and treated with the utmost respect since my move to Nashville. The people of Nashville are resilient, determined, and understanding. They persevere, and that is why I belong here.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
Simply, go for it. You deserve to find your happy place. For the women who aspire to be an executive chef, I would tell them that becoming a chef is the most important job that you can pursue. Every person must eat to survive, and I’m honored when my guests choose my food to provide them with nutrients and love.
Meet Chef Star Maye and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 18 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 300 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!